Beethoven inscribed the words 'From the heart - may it go again - to the heart!' on the manuscript of his Missa Solemnis, which has been understood as a motto for the work.
Composition History
Beethoven began work on the Missa Solemnis in 1819 as a commission for the enthronement of his former pupil and patron, Archduke Rudolph, as Archbishop of Olmütz.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven made subtle but significant adjustments to the traditional Mass text, such as adding personal 'O's and 'Ah's to 'miserere' and repeating 'credo' and 'et', to personalize the expression of faith.
Performer Biography
Matthew Rose, the bass soloist, toured with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique for two months, performing the Missa Solemnis fifteen times across Europe and the USA.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's primary aim in composing the Missa Solemnis was to awaken and permanently instill religious feelings in both the singers and the listeners.
Composition History
Beethoven struggled with the composition of the Missa Solemnis, only completing it in May 1822, well after Archduke Rudolph's enthronement in March 1820.
Recording & Production
This recording of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis was captured live at the Barbican Hall in London on October 17, 2012.
